Quotes from Eric Bana

I'm a bit of a romantic.

The darker the film, the more vital everyone's sense of humor is on set.

I've worked with some of the great cinematographers. So I'm always watching what they do and I'm watching how the director composes his shots, just because I find it interesting as an actor; you're trying to help them out as well.

I wanted to be a mechanic. When I was 14 I wanted to quit school and go work on my car. But my dad said Son, you shouldn't do that. You should stay in school until your education is finished, and when you're done, don't make your hobby your job.

When I was a kid, I would do stupid things on my bike. I'd jump any ramp, I'd jump over people, I'd jump over things - always crashing, never hurting myself badly but always wanting to take physical risks.

I guess I'm a very keen observer, and I'd like to think I have a good imagination.

If a great comedy landed on my doorstep, I would find it hard to say no.

I race historic muscle cars back in Australia, and that's my hobby. And I try to race home as soon as I've finished a movie but don't tell anyone.

I'm not into bikinis or other revealing clothing.

I think there are times when you walk onto a set you can potentially be either intimidated or distracted by what's going on around you.

I occasionally go to the gym and I lift free weights, I don't use machines.

I used to lift very heavy weights in my mid-twenties - I used to bench press over 300lb. The most I ever lifted was 330lb; I couldn't do that today, no way.

I'm very much a bit of a ghost presence.

I've always described parts as tattoos. For actors our tattoos are in the form of films.

Technically speaking, you can build anything out of sand; it doesn't mean you do it.

You'll read things and say, this is a really good project and it's probably going to be a hit, but I can see 20 other people playing that part. You have to have some sense of ownership to do a good job and be married to it for ever.

When I go on the plane to fly home, I'm literally capable of forgetting what I do for a job. That also comes about because I choose to take massive breaks between projects, and because I choose to do this ridiculous thing of keeping home, home.

As an actor I've been attracted to the sort of films that I want to go and see. That tends to usually be drama-related.

I've always been a bit of a car freak.

I've never been someone that's had a five-year plan, or a three-year plan. That just seems to lead to a lot of disappointment, and doesn't give you the chance to be flexible.

I'm always one time zone behind myself.

I'm spending all my time and energy on the project at hand.

I guess I'm a very keen observer, and I'd like to think I have a good imagination.

I love being at home, being with friends and family. I'm of European stock, brought up in Australia. I'm a passionate guy. I just love life.